Old Tennent
SEAL ADOPTED
UNDER THE CHARTER GRANTED
BY KING GEORGE II
1750
This Brochures-making was begin in 1913, at which time an edition of 5,000 copies was published. The price covers the cost of printing, and whatever profit is realized contributes to the support of the church. The second edition, of 10,000 copies was published in 1917. This third edition, of 20,000 copies was published in 1922.
Published 1922 by the Trustees. The old Tennent Church with its Cemetery is as widley know probably as any other place of its kind in the United States. Visitors from carious parts of this country and from abroad come here with interest an delight; and their number is constantly increasing. The Visitors' Register on the Church desk shows a list of names and addresses that are world wide. And all this with good reason, for Old Tennent has a history intensely interesting, and has a pleasing situation, easily accessible on the public highway between Freehold and Englishtown, on a beautiful eminence not far from the Pennsylvania railroad depot at Tennent, Monmouth County, New Jersey. The Church is built on what was early called "White (oak) Hill," because there were numerous white-oaks on and around it; one of which still stands lofty and with very wide reaching limbs. This old oak was carefully and thoroughly treated in 1915 for its revivifying.
The Church was incorporated 1786 under the New Jersey State law. Subsequently, by an act of the Legislature, its corporate name was changed 1859 to "The First Presbyterian Church of the County of Monmouth." And then again in October 1920, ins corporate name was changed to "Old Tennent Church," and has so been recorded in the County Clerk's office. Thus all deeds, donations and legacies by will, in behalf of the Church or Cemetery, should be drawn to the Trustees of "Old Tennent Church." (Ask them for a copy of the By-laws of the Cemetery and For for Bequest, if desired).
1731 This is the date when the Congreagtion (presumably of Covenant stock) moved from their old Scots ground near Wickatunk, NJ, and built their second Church edifice which as the first church building on White Hill. It was 40 feet long and 30 feet wide, was supplied with galleries, and had east, west and south entrance doors. To it evidently belonged the old communion table, which may still be seen in the present edifice, and from which, it is said, David Brainerd administered the holy Sacrament to his converted Indians, apparently in June 1746. Rev. John Tennent, saintly man and effective preacher was the first pastor in this new edifice and also in the Old Scots building, in whose cemetery he was buried in 1732, where his tombstone may still be seen. He was educated in the Latin School at Neshaminy, Pa., founded by his father, Rev. Wm. Tennent, Sr., which school was called "Log College" and may be considered the virtual beginning of Princeton University.
Rev. Wm. Tennent, Jr., brother of John, was made pastor of this new Church on White Hill in 1733, and was pastor when it was replace by the larger and present on in 1751. He experienced a remarkable trance during his student days wherein he testified that he saw the ineffable things of heaven. The story of this trance is quoted in Symmes Histoy of Old Tennent, and in a leaflet published by the Trustees; and it is described in full, with other facts, in the book "Log College: (which is now out of print). Soon after he became pastor, the congregation purchased a fine large farm (plantation) of 150 acres for the parson's home. It was purchased March, 1735, of William Cowenhoven, son of Peter, for 500 pounds, and was located "Lying Between Spotswood Middle and south Brooks." Efforts were made to secure this farm in legal form, "a Parsonage to Continue for the use of the Presbyterian Congregation forever." This plantation was kept as such for one hundred years, and then March 16, 1835, was sold to William T. Sutfin for $9,900. On this farm stood an old house built 1706, which became famous as the Old Tennent Parsonage. It was a low building with four rooms on the ground floor, and, until about 1861, when it was taken down, was a place of much interest for visitors, it having stood in the midst of the battle ground of Monmouth, and a round shot having gone through its roof.
The first acre of ground on White Hill was given to the Church May 1, 1731, ("for and in Consideration of the Sum of One Shilling Current Money of the province aforesaid to him in hand paid"), by William Ker, son of Walter. Aaron Mattison, David Rhe, John Henderson and Samuel Ker were the trustees that received and held the deed, which is still extant. A cemetery was begun on this first acre on White Hill, and through succeeding years additions of ground were made. In 1867 a large tract to the north of the church, about five acres as it now stands, was purchased from Miss Anna Mary Gordon. John M. Perrine (ex-sherriff) was the first to be buried in this new portion. The date marking the earliest known burial in Old Tennent yard in October 27, 1744, over the grave of John Mattison. Possibly there were earlier burials in the yard.
